Episcopal Church of St. Anne

Clergy COVID Conference

April 23 | 12:30 pm

ZOOM

Diocesan Council

April 25 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

ZOOM

Standing Committee

April 25 | 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

ZOOM

Deacon’s Fresh Start

April 27 | 6:30 pm

ZOOM

Clergy COVID Conference

April 30 | 12:30 pm

ZOOM

Spanish Immersion Week

July 12-19

ECCO

Learn More HERE

Upcoming Event Information

Spanish Immersion at ECCO

Come join us for a week of Spanish learning!

Join us for a week of learning to speak Spanish! You will have time to learn, bring home materials to keep learning, and enjoy many activities among colleagues and friends.

Prices include take home materials, week long materials, lodging, all meals, and activities!

Registration is due by June 10th. We need 25 people minimum to join us! Register blow.

If the program is canceled due to lack of participant registrations, all costs will be refunded.

However, if a participant cancels after the registration cut off date, costs cannot be refunded.

Registrations are due – June 10th

American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 4147 E Dakota AVE, Fresno, CA 93726

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Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with

Friday Reflections April 3, 2020

03. April 2020 · Comments Off · Categories: Friday Reflections · Tags: Bishop, Bishop David Rice, Church, community, David Rice, Diocese of San Joaquin, Episcopal Diocese Of San Joaquin, Friday Reflections, message

The Friday Reflection

April 3, 2020

Rev. Michael Backlund

He called it sauntering. He hated the word, “hiking.” He didn’t march. He didn’t powerwalk. He didn’t run. He sauntered.

When we consider great leaders, a sauntering one doesn’t usually come to mind, but we’d be wrong about that. He was a great leader.

Tireless in his efforts to educate the public and convince politicians to conserve some remnant of our national wilderness, he caught the imagination of a president. In 1903, Teddy Roosevelt joined him for a three-day camping trip to Yosemite. Their first night together was spent beneath the Grizzly Giant in the Mariposa Grove, about which Roosevelt would later write, “The majestic trunks, beautiful in color and in symmetry, rose round us like the pillars of a mightier cathedral than ever was conceived even by the fervor of the Middle Ages.”

Two nights later sitting around a crackling campfire in the meadow by Bridalveil Fall, they talked, and talked some more. And in the end, a president became a follower, and convinced of its rightness, arranged the legislation needed to end California’s control of Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove and bring them under the care of Yosemite National Park in 1906 to be preserved and protected in perpetuity.

All of this – and more – by one who merely sauntered.

But saying “merely” isn’t right, is it? For you see, sauntering is not aimless walking around, but a holy undertaking. Sauntering harkens back to the name given to pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land, the “sainte-terre-ers.” And for him, sauntering in the Range of Light was a divine vocation, a pilgrimage into the very heart of things: “When we contemplate the whole globe as one great dewdrop, striped and dotted with continents and islands, flying through space with other stars all singing and shining together as one, the whole universe appears as an infinite storm of beauty.”

We Episcopalians, like this giant of a leader, are called and committed to Creation Care. A holy vocation. We stand on holy ground, if we but have eyes to see. God invites us to collaborate in the divine work of preserving and caring for our earthly paradise. Blessed are we beyond all telling to live so close to nature’s cathedrals within our own diocesan borders. In all our great and small ways, may we each commit to becoming a leader in caring for the divine magnificence we call, “The Creation.”

Dear God, help us to follow your holy one, John Muir, who said, “I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” Show us, God, how to become saunterers. And as Annie Dillard advised, fashion us into those pilgrims of life who with each step of our left foot, shout, “Glory!” and with each step of our right foot, proclaim, “Amen!”

Holy Week Lineup

Sunday’s live-stream of the Diocesan Palm Sunday

The service bulletin will be available here by Saturday evening.

You can view Sunday’s service in two different ways:

YouTube | Many experienced this last week, and found that YouTube was the most reliable for many people.

Facebook | They can also find us on Facebook, but what we have found is that Facebook has been overloaded in a way that it was never meant to be by all the different people and places using it. YouTube does not have these same issue.

Join us either way, but know that both are available to you!

It will be live at 10 am.

Reenvisioning Blessing of the Palms

Traditionally during Palm Sunday, congregations gather outside their worship spaces to begin the service. Following a brief liturgy that includes the blessing of palm fronds and palm crosses, congregations trace Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The beginning of our Holy Week journey continues into our sacred spaces where we, the people of God, retell the story of our Lord’s Passion.

On this Sunday, April 5th, we will gather not at the doors of our physical worship spaces, but we will gather together along the road leading into Jerusalem. We will not only be witnesses to this drama, we will also be participants.

Prior to Sunday morning, we invite you to identify an object in your home that is or could be sacred to you. It can be a palm frond from your yard, but it also could be a cross, a picture, a drawing, a photo, or any other object dear to you. During this Palm Sunday liturgy, Bishop David will bless these items.

These sacred objects will be “our palm crosses” for this day, this Holy Week, and throughout the year. These will be the palms we lay at the feet of Jesus as he triumphantly enters Jerusalem. This week, these blessed items will serve as the liturgical appointments in the sanctuary of our homes. Ultimately, these sacred objects will serve as our substitute “palm crosses” for the year that are intended to remind us daily of Jesus’ sacrifice and unconditional love that is revealed to us once again this Holy Week.

For the traditionalist in the group who have access to palm fronds and want to make your own cross, here are two tutorials on how to make a palm cross; video tutorial and graphic tutorial.

For those who would like to make paper crosses you can find a helpful video tutorial HERE!

Spanish Noonday Reflections, 12:00 pm

Join us each day of Holy Week at 12:00 pm on Facebook for a Spanish reflection with Bishop David and Deacon Nelson!

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday Daily Prayers

Monday, we will be hosting Morning Prayer Live at 7:30 am. It will continue to be available throughout the rest of the week.

Tuesday, we will host Evening Prayer live at 6:00 pm.

Wednesday, Compline will be hosted live at 8:00 pm.

Reaffirmation Service, Tuesday at 12:00 pm

We will be postponing our Chrism Mass and Dcn. Nelson’s Liturgy of Installation as Latino Missioner, but we will be holding a reaffirmation service. This service will include clergy’s reaffirmation of their ordination vows, and the laity will be asked to reaffirm their Baptismal Covenant.

Maundy Thursday Re-imagined, 6:00 pm

While Maundy Thursday has traditionally been a time of foot washing and stripping of the altar, this will look different during this time. We are working on a liturgy that offers video liturgy. We invite you to bring your soup, bread, and drink to our Agape Meal in the middle of the service so we can share together. You will then be invited to strip away your own altar at home.

More information to come on this service.

Overnight Prayer Vigil

End of Maundy Thursday Service until Stations of the Cross

While we won’t physically be in our Faith Communities this year for the overnight vigil following the Maundy Thursday service, we still can keep watch by setting aside one hour for meditation and prayer in the “virtual sanctuary” via ZOOM.

We invite you to choose an hour-long time slot in the overnight vigil. During the vigil, we invite you to quietly read and/or pray for that hour as we keep watch leading up to the Good Friday liturgy. The room will display imagery of a candlelit Cathedral.

The goal is to have at least one person observing the vigil at any given hour throughout the Watch.

To sign up, click on the link bellow. Please fill out the information and select a time(s) you are volunteering to maintain the vigil. More than one person can choose to hold the vigil each hour, but we definitely need at least one person. By Wednesday, April 8th, a follow up email will be sent to everyone who has volunteered to participate in the overnight vigil.

You can sign up here for a time slot.

Stations of the Cross and Good Friday, 12:00 pm

Stations will begin at noon and are designed to be done in your home. Stations of the cross will be a bilingual experience with the voices of many people coming together. We are also putting together a children’s stations experience!

The Good Friday liturgy will follow the Stations of the Cross around 1:30 pm and conclude near 3 pm.

Holy Saturday Liturgy, 9:00 am

Holy Saturday will begin with a live liturgy at 9:00 am

Easter Sunday, 10:00 am

Join us for Easter Sunday at 10:00 am! More details to follow.

April Newsletter

An excerpt from The Immigrants Creed: “I believe in Jesus Christ, a displaced Galilean, who was born away from his people and his home, who fled his country with his parents when his life was in danger, and returning to his own country suffered the oppression of the tyrant Pontius Pilate, the servant of a foreign power who then was persecuted, beaten, and finally tortured, accused and condemned to death unjustly.”

Spring clean

Donate anything you haven’t worn, used, opened, or looked at in the past year to your local thrift store when they reopen.

Friday Reflection

All articles and special news can be submitted to the Diocesan Office at: [email protected]

All submissions are due MONDAY for the following Friday Reflection.

Submission requirements:

pictures -JPEG format

articles- word document

document to link- PDF

Please edit pictures for best brightness, contrast, and lighting before sending.

Holy Week Schedule

Palm Sunday

April 5 | 10:00 AM

Morning Prayer

April 6 | 7:30 AM

Reaffirmation Service

April 7 | 12:00 PM

ZOOM & Live

Evening Prayer

April 7 | 6:00 PM

Compline

April 8 | 8:00 PM

Maundy Thursday

April 9 | 6:00 PM

Overnight Vigil

End of Maundy Thursday Service until Stations of the Cross

Sign-up HERE

Stations of the Cross & Good Friday

April 10 | 12:00 PM

Holy Saturday

April 12 | 9:00 AM

Easter Sunday

April 12 | 10:00 AM

Guest Writer

Normal by Rod Geist

“We can’t always know God’s plan.” “Someday you’ll understand.” “God has a purpose for everything.” Trust me, if you know someone who is dealing with any kind of tragedy in their life, don’t give them these answers. They do not help at all.[i]

Continue reading more of Rod’s story and how it might apply to our COVID-19 days.

Face Mask Pattern

The newest CDC guidelines suggest that everyone wear a mask when they are out getting essential items. This helps to prevent any transmission that may be caused by our speech patterns. They do not recommend N95 masks for anyone except healthcare professionals, but homemade ones are effective and easy to make!

A Prayer in Times of a Pandemic

By Dcn. Tom Hampson

Loving God, throughout the Scriptures you call us to “Fear not!”, but these are troubling times for the hardiest souls. Give us courage to face the challenges of this new threat to your human family. Give us prudence, to do the necessary things to protect ourselves and others. Give us the clarity of vision to learn from this disease the lesson we are too prone to forget, that we are all connected, regardless of race or nationality or political persuasion. We pray for those who are struggling with this disease, that their health may be restored. We pray for medical personnel and first responders caring for those in need, that they remain healthy and unflagging in their life-saving work. And we pray for all those economically impacted, that they may find the resources to maintain themselves and their families. We ask all this, trusting in your abiding love, a love that even death cannot defeat. Amen.

Upcoming Event Information

Spanish Immersion at ECCO

Come join us for a week of Spanish learning!

Join us for a week of learning to speak Spanish! You will have time to learn, bring home materials to keep learning, and enjoy many activities among colleagues and friends.

Prices include take home materials, week long materials, lodging, all meals, and activities!

Registration is due by June 10th. We need 25 people minimum to join us! Register blow.

If the program is canceled due to lack of participant registrations, all costs will be refunded.

However, if a participant cancels after the registration cut off date, costs cannot be refunded.

Registrations are due – June 10th

American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 4147 E Dakota AVE, Fresno, CA 93726

Forward this email | Update Profile | About our service provider

Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with

Friday Reflections March 13, 2020

13. March 2020 · Comments Off · Categories: Bishop, Friday Reflections · Tags: belonging, Bishop, Bishop David Rice, Church, community, Diocese of San Joaquin, Episcopal, episcopal church, episcopal church of st anne, Episcopal Diocese Of San Joaquin, Friday Reflections, message

Newly Designed Diocesan Website diosanjoaquin.org

March 13, 2020

Sisters and Brothers of The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin,

We know that we are all inundated with information and commentaries regarding COVID-19. And we also acknowledge concerns, regarding this virus, continue to mount. A number of Dioceses in The Episcopal Church have decided to suspend public worship over the next few weeks and to reassess the situation at that juncture. We need to advise you that we are considering the prospect of urging a practice of fasting of public worship for the sake of the most vulnerable in our midst in the Diocese.

Continue reading here.

The Friday Reflection

March 13, 2020

Canon Anna Carmichael

https://www.cpg.org/global/online-resources/cartoons/

Dear friends of San Joaquin,

This spring I have the privilege of being the instructor for the Field Education Seminar in our local School for Deacons. We’ve just concluded reading the book “How Your Church Family Works: Understanding Congregations as Emotional Systems” by Peter Steinke on behalf of the Alban Institute. In part two of the text, Steinke focuses on the differences between “Mature” leaders and “Immature” leaders. The material was so rich that I felt it was important for all of us in the diocese, and especially those of us who serve in leadership positions, to take a look at these characteristics and do a little self-reflection.

So what is a “Mature” leader? According to Steinke, a “Mature” leader is comfortable with delegating and sharing responsibilities; their identity as a leader isn’t wrapped up in being the one person who can do all the work, but rather identifies the strengths and gifts of others and then shares with those people on their team. A “Mature” leader has appropriate boundaries, and focuses on their responsibilities and tasks, instead of micro-managing those on their team. Furthermore, a “Mature” leader has the resiliency to navigate change, accepts challenges, is open to growth, and manages their anxiety. “Mature” leaders are creative, have a sense of vision and direction, operates with integrity, and is not easily rattled by complaints or the anxiety of others.

Contrasting “Mature” leaders to “Immature” leaders, Steinke states that “Immature” leaders focus on short term fixes, are prone to rescuing/saving/fixing behaviors, and have a difficult time managing their boundaries. “Immature” leaders have trouble doing deeper level reconciliation work, so they often engage in being overly critical of others on their team or in leadership or quick fixes. Steinke goes further to state that “Immature” leaders tend to be defensive and rash, often blaming others while acting as victims. They have a hard time navigating change, so they become reactive and stagnate. When “Immature” leaders are really struggling, they can engage in accusations, demands, threats, and other antagonist behaviors.

As we discussed in class recently, our work as clergy and lay leaders is to help people grow. And what we know is that sometimes, growth is challenging and painful; it means letting go of old things-programs, systems, structures–to try something new. As a result, change and growth can be hindered by rumors, gossip, and secrets. Our choice as leaders is whether or not to confront those unhealthy behaviors.

What keeps us from confronting these behaviors (and believe me, we all do this in our different relationships, both in and outside the church)? We worry that we will hurt someone’s feelings, people will leave, and friendships will be shattered. However, the cost of not confronting those aforementioned behaviors is even worse than the fear we have of the confrontation! As Steinke states, “…criticizers and attackers, privilege seekers and power brokers, the least motivated and most recalcitrant are allowed to roam at will…[the behavior] is permitted and enabled…[and] we become organized around our anxiety, which drains our energies and resources” (119-120).

My friends, in these days of worry, of an unstable economy and viruses, of growing concern for the lack of safety nets for those on the margins, and our own internal-to-the-church changes, we as leaders are especially called to step up into being “Mature” leaders. We are called to be a non-anxious presence in our communities. We are called to confront unhealthy and toxic behavior. We are called to speak truth in love. Some days we’ll get it right, and some days we won’t. But let us stay focused on our call as found in Galatians (6:10), “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all…especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Be well,

Cn. Anna

Dcn. Nelson Is Here

Watch his debut Carthedra video!

March Newsletter

Prayers of the People for use in Lent for immigration reform:

As our leaders ponder the future of our DACA recipients;

Let us pray for those leaders to make fair human decisions.

Lord as we walk with you on your journey to Jerusalem let us be mindful of others who face hate and danger every day; Let us pray for those fleeing their homelands and those who face hatred in any parts of the world.

Buy Fair Trade

Coffee, tea, chocolate, and bananas are now commonly available through Fair trade organizations. These co-ops ensure that products are produced sustainably and the farmers/laborers growing them are treated and paid fairly. Sure, you may pay a little more, but your purchase speaks volumes to those who take advantage of poor laborers and small foreign farmers. Go to www.equalexchange.org or www.greenamerica.org. for more information and to order.

Friday Reflection

All articles and special news can be submitted to the Diocesan Office at: [email protected]

All submissions are due MONDAY for the following Friday Reflection.

Submission requirements:

pictures -JPEG format

articles- word document

document to link- PDF

Please edit pictures for best brightness, contrast, and lighting before sending.

Events Warranting Your

Participation and Prayers

Diocesan Events

SJRAISE

March 14 | 11:00 am

ZOOM

Diocesan Council

March 19 | 6:30 pm

ZOOM

Standing Committee

March 31 | 6:30 pm

ZOOM

Commission on Ministry

April 4 | 10:00 am

St. James Cathedral, Fresno

Chrism Mass & Dcn. Nelson’s Installation as Latino Missioner

April 7 | 10 am

St. James Episcopal Cathedral

Clergy wear red

Diocesan Recharge/Renew Youth Retreat

May 1-3

ECCO

Learn more HERE

Spanish Immersion Week

July 12-19

ECCO

Learn More HERE

Events Around the Diocese

St. Paul’s, Bakersfield Mariachi and Folklorico Showcase

March 27 | 6-9 pm

Check out the event HERE

St. Matthew’s, San Andreas Lenten Practice

EVERY FRIDAY IN LENT | 5 PM

Stations of the Cross

and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

followed by a Soup Supper in the Parish Hall

Cancellations Around the Diocese

St. Pat’s at St. Matt’s

St. Matthew’s, San Andreas has decided to cancel their St. Pat’s at St. Matt’s event this year.

Upcoming Event Information

Recharge/Renew Youth Retreat at ECCO

Youth ages 13-18 are invited May 1-3 to the Episcopal Conference Center in Oakhurst for a weekend of fun activities, great food, and a chance to learn more about the Episcopal Church and what it means to be a Christian. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to talk to your friends about church, are interested in Social Justice, or just want to know why we do the things we do on Sunday mornings, this is the retreat to attend! You’ll have a choice of classes taught by both clergy and lay people ranging from Church History, to Music, to Creation Care and Social Justice. Bishop David Rice, Bishop of the Diocese of San Joaquin, will lead Evening prayer one night and Sunday morning Eucharist.

Registrations are due: April 10th

Spanish Immersion at ECCO

Come join us for a week of Spanish learning!

Join us for a week of learning to speak Spanish! You will have time to learn, bring home materials to keep learning, and enjoy many activities among colleagues and friends.

Prices include take home materials, week long materials, lodging, all meals, and activities!

Registration is due by June 10th. We need 25 people minimum to join us! Register blow.

If the program is canceled due to lack of participant registrations, all costs will be refunded.

However, if a participant cancels after the registration cut off date, costs cannot be refunded.

Registrations are due – June 10th

American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 4147 E Dakota AVE, Fresno, CA 93726

Forward this email | Update Profile | About our service provider

Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with

Friday Reflections February 21, 2020

22. February 2020 · Comments Off · Categories: Friday Reflections · Tags: Bishop, Bishop David Rice, Diocese of San Joaquin, Episcopal Diocese Of San Joaquin, Friday Reflections, message

Diocese of San

Joaquin

The Episcopal Church

February 21, 2020

Rev. Lyn Morlan

Coming into the Diocese of San Joaquin in 2008, it was apparent that there had been a harmful style of leadership. There was one leader; everyone else was a follower. Dissenters or questioners were vilified and exiled. Lots of people had been wounded by this style. Two things I encountered: 1) there was a distrust of authority. It is extremely difficult to be a true leader of a faith community without trust. To this day, trust needs to be earned by a leader’s consistent actions and words. If you say one thing and do another, there will be resistance.

2) The leadership of the laity had been crushed to the detriment of congregational growth. This was apparent in the way even lay leaders sought power, as demonstrated by prior authority figures, instead of working to find new solutions or compromise. We need the laity to be responsible leaders in our churches.

Establishing lay leadership is not new to the Episcopal Church. I remember going to classes on leadership back in the 1980’s when I was a member of Christ the Lord Episcopal Church in Pinole. The Cursillo movement was dependent on lay leaders. Dave and I were active members of Cursillo in the East Bay. Lay leaders planned and carried out the 4-day weekend retreats. Yes, there were spiritual directors (I’ve done that too); they planned the liturgies and were there for pastoral care only.

As we begin the 13th year following the schism, let’s continue to strive for positive leadership. At St. Anne’s, time and energy has been spent on learning to trust each other. Jesus and his followers trusted each other; there is our positive role model. Being missional church, we are challenged to look beyond our church building to our community and to find God working there and – dare we say – join God in the work.

We all have experience with good and bad leaders in both secular and church settings. We are formed and learn from both. Let us strive to be responsible leaders. We are called to be involved. The ‘…’ gives each of us the freedom to discern how we will lead.

When Bishop David first came to the diocese, he asked the clergy to read “Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Leading” by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky. I recommend it for all of you who would be responsible leaders.

Recharge/Renew Youth Retreat at ECCO

Registration will open in late February.

Friday Reflection

All articles and special news can be submitted to the Diocesan Office at:

All submissions are due MONDAY for the following Friday Reflection.

Submission requirements:

pictures -JPEG format
articles- word document
document to link- PDF

Please edit pictures for best brightness, contrast, and lighting before sending.

Events Warranting Your

Participation and Prayers

Diocesan Events

Joint Diocesan Council & Standing Committee Meeting

February 28-29

ECCO

Chrism Mass

April 7 | 10 am

St. James Episcopal Cathedral

Diocesan Recharge/Renew Youth Retreat

May 1-3

ECCO

Learn more HERE

Spanish Immersion Week

July 12-19

ECCO

Learn More HERE

Events Around the Diocese

Public House Night

St. Anne’s, Stockton

February 21-22 | 6:00 – 8:30 pm

See more info HERE

St. Matthew’s, San Andreas Lenten Practice

EVERY FRIDAY IN LENT | 5 PM

Stations of the Cross

and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

followed by a Soup Supper in the Parish Hall

DAY OF DISCERNMENT

The Commission on Ministry for the Diocese of San Joaquin invites you to a Day of Discernment on Saturday, March 7 from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Modesto. The day is designed to examine the four types of ministries in the Episcopal Church, to see how these groups work together, and to find out where we are “Called to be…” in response to our baptismal vows. The day will include a Bible Study based on the Kaleidoscope Method, an exploration of how we are called to use our gifts and talents to further God’s kingdom, and a

question and answer period about the ordination process, whether it is for the diaconate or the

priesthood.

The cost of this event is $10 and includes morning snacks and lunch. There will be an opportunity for further study if you desire to learn more about ordination.

For more information and to register, please contact Deacon Angela Lerena, Diocesan Administrator:

[email protected].

WAIT UNTIL THE LAUNDRY BASKET IS FULL TO WASH

Only do laundry when the load is full. Not only does this save water and electricity but it also will save you money and time. You can either wait until you have more items to wash, or combine your partial load with your family or housemates.

American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 4147 E Dakota AVE, Fresno, CA 93726

Forward this email | Update Profile | About our service provider

Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with

Friday Reflections 2/14/2020

17. February 2020 · Comments Off · Categories: Bishop, Friday Reflections · Tags: Bishop, Bishop David Rice, Diocese of San Joaquin, Episcopal, episcopal church, Episcopal Diocese Of San Joaquin, Friday Reflections, message

Diocese of San

Joaquin

The Episcopal Church

February 14, 2020

Terry March, Postulant to the Diaconate

“Called to be…leaders”

The world’s way of leadership is about power and manipulation, achieving goals by bending others to your will, and forcing desired outcomes. As Christians, we have remarkable examples of leadership that turns the worldly system of leadership upside down. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, tells us there is a better way. Jesus personifies all the virtues and attributes of leadership and not only tells us, through scripture, how to lead, but more importantly shows us the true actions of leadership.

Jesus talked about the worldly model of leadership when the disciples were squabbling about who would be the greatest. Jesus tells them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the one who serves.”[1] Jesus calls us to be different and tells us that godly leadership is about serving others. When we serve by coming along side others, helping them reach their goals, what we are really doing is loving them.

Jesus was not afraid to challenge those he led and out of love saw the potential of those whom he called to be leaders. If we had been there when Jesus called the apostles to follow Him, we may have only seen them as fishermen, tax collectors, zealots or thieves. Jesus looked beyond what they were and instead saw what they could become. Jesus believed in his followers, gave them important things to do and inspired them to experience the world with love to develop their souls to new achievements.

Because of His great and perfect love, Jesus was patient with others and followed the prompts of God. During the arrest of Jesus, one of His worried disciples drew a sword, struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off the slave’s right ear. Without anger, Jesus said, “No more of this!”[2] Jesus’ admonishment of the disciple’s action was kind, yet firm. Jesus then quietly touched and healed the servant’s ear. A leader shows love to others and can give corrective feedback in a calm, loving and helpful manner when mistakes are made.

Leading like Jesus is a simple concept in principle but sometimes difficult to live out in our daily lives. We must remember that the people we meet in our churches, marketplaces, workplaces, and elsewhere in the world are all God’s people and are our brothers and sisters. We are called to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves, striving for justice and peace, and respecting the dignity of every human being. God knows we are not perfect leaders like Jesus but God has given us the perfect example by which to lead. And we are called to grow into greater leadership, primarily because a leader was willing to invest love, patience, kindness, time and effort to lead us.

[1] Lk 22:25-26 NRSV

[2] Lk 22:50-51

Did you know that SJRAISE, Our Immigration Commission, has a new monthly newsletter? You can check it out HERE and subscribe at the bottom, or email Deacon Angela at [email protected] to be added!

Recharge/Renew Youth Retreat at ECCO

Registration will open in late February.

Friday Reflection

All articles and special news can be submitted to the Diocesan Office at:

Continue reading the letter here.

All submissions are due MONDAY for the following Friday Reflection.

Submission requirements:

pictures -JPEG format
articles- word document
document to link- PDF

Please edit pictures for best brightness, contrast, and lighting before sending.

Events Warranting Your

Participation and Prayers

Diocesan Events

Joint Diocesan Council & Standing Committee Meeting

February 28-29

ECCO

Diocesan Recharge/Renew Youth Retreat

May 1-3

ECCO

Learn more HERE

Spanish Immersion Week

July 12-19

ECCO

Learn More HERE

Events Around the Diocese

Public House Night

St. Anne’s, Stockton

February 21-22 | 6:00 – 8:30 pm

See more info HERE

A letter from Bishop David to St. James Cathedral regarding Dean Ryan Newman

February 11, 2020

Sisters and Brothers of St. James, Cathedral,

I trust by now most of you have heard the news regarding the health of our Cathedral Dean, Ryan Newman. If you are unaware, Ryan fell ill last week at the close of our Clergy Conference at ECCO. Fortunately, Erin, Ryan’s wife was with him. Ryan was admitted at Clovis Community Hospital on Saturday with concerns of a heart attack. Since then he has been diagnosed with Myocarditis which is an inflammation of the heart muscle and potentially leads to a high risk of heart failure. As you would hope and expect, hospital staff is monitoring Ryan quite closely. I write this “pastoral letter” on Tuesday and every indication to date is that Ryan will remain in hospital through the week. Additionally, Ryan will need time away from his “deanship” responsibilities in order to recover.

CUT YOUR SHOWER BY 5 MINUTES

Cut five minutes off your shower to save water. According to a study done by Harvard the average american shower uses 2.5 gallons per minute. You will save 12.5 gallons of water if you shorten by just 5 minutes. Or, consider turning the water off while you lather up and only turn it on to rinse.

American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 4147 E Dakota AVE, Fresno, CA 93726

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[2] From <https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/66880-christ-has-no-body-now-but-yours-no-hands-no>

Friday Reflections February 7, 2020

07. February 2020 · Comments Off · Categories: Friday Reflections · Tags: Bishop, Bishop David Rice, Diocese of San Joaquin, Friday Reflections

Diocese of San

Joaquin

The Episcopal Church

February 7, 2020

Rev. Andy Anderson

“Called to be…leaders”

…God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues.[1]

What attributes should a leader exemplify? Integrity, reliability, honesty, forthrightness are just a few of the terms to consider. Many of you have worn the mantle of leadership during your lives, just as I have. Thinking back to those times. Were you/me satisfied with the results? What could we have done to make the experiences more productive or relevant? What can or will we do in future leadership roles?

I have found that to be an effective leader is to lead by example. I would never ask anything of those I lead that I would not or could not undertake myself. Regularly on a Sunday, I preach loving my neighbor as myself. Yet, at times, I find it difficult to follow my admonition on the other six days.

Our nation is in the midst of a maelstrom politically and ethically. Called to be a leader carries great responsibilities. As clergy, I must speak out against social injustices or oppression of any kind. I must champion positivity, such as inclusiveness, forgiveness, and kindness. I once believed that my actions spoke louder than my words, but not anymore. Our social media platforms are rife with vengeful, hate-filled speech, and fingerpointing. In this tumultuous society, the language I use sets the tone for my leadership. I can think of no better way to model “Called to be…” leadership than the words of St. Teresa of Avila.

“Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth, but yours.”
— Teresa of Avila[2]

[1]1 Corinthians 12:26-28 Or spiritual persons. , New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Did you know that SJRAISE, Our Immigration Commission, has a new monthly newsletter? You can check it out HERE and subscribe at the bottom, or email Deacon Angela at [email protected] to be added!

Companions in Franciscan Spirituality for 2020: Ten-Day Residential Immersion Programs in Franciscan Spirituality offered three times a year for free by The Community of St. Francis at St. Francis House in San Francisco for women over 18. The program includes studying Franciscan spirituality and living out of that spirituality by sharing in our community life, worship and ministry in the church and wider community.

April 3-13; July 3-13; Oct. 2-12.

For more information, contact Sr. Pamela Clare at [email protected].

Friday Reflection

All articles and special news can be submitted to the Diocesan Office at:

All submissions are due MONDAY for the following Friday Reflection.

Submission requirements:

pictures -JPEG format
articles- word document
document to link- PDF

Please edit pictures for best brightness, contrast, and lighting before sending.

Events Warranting Your

Participation and Prayers

Diocesan Events

Spring Clergy Conference

February 4-6

ECCO

Building Church Leaders Conference

February 7-8

ECCO

Joint Diocesan Council & Standing Committee Meeting

February 28-29

ECCO

Diocesan Recharge/Renew Youth Retreat

May 1-3

ECCO

Learn more HERE

Spanish Immersion Week

July 12-19

ECCO

Learn More HERE

Events Around the Diocese

Fresno Mayoral Forum

St. James Cathedral, Fresno

February 13 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm

See more info HERE

Public House Night

St. Anne’s, Stockton

February 21-22 | 6:00 – 8:30 pm

Recharge/Renew Youth Retreat at ECCO

Registration will open in February.

UNPLUG SOCKETS FROM THE WALL

OR POWER STRIP

When appliances are not in use they should be unplugged.

The socket draws electricity even when it is off. Some items

that are often plugged in when not in use are blow-dryers,

phone chargers, electric kettles, and coffee pots. Look

around your house and find what can be unplugged.

American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 4147 E Dakota AVE, Fresno, CA 93726

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Friday Reflections Nov. 11, 2018

09. November 2018 · Comments Off · Categories: Friday Reflections · Tags: Church, Diocese of San Joaquin, episcopal church, episcopal church of st anne, Episcopal Diocese Of San Joaquin, Friday Reflections

Diocese of San

Joaquin

The Episcopal Church

November 9, 2018

From Deacon Candidate

Terrance Goodpasture

Serving at

St. James Cathedral, Fresno

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending a conference with two other Deacons in process along with our Canon. Canon Anna, Tom Hampson, Wilson Colon and I, all traveled to Los Angeles to attend an ABCD training through the office of ERD (Episcopal Relief and Development). ABCD is short for Asset Based Community Development.

An Asset-Based Approach to Engaging Church and Community is centered around the belief that individuals, groups, and communities have the gifts they need to address the needs they see around them. 1 Corinthians 12 tells us that each of us are given different gifts to serve the community and we are all a part of the body of Christ working together.

Throughout the four days of our training we learned how to help communities discern their gifts from God and how those gifts can be used to the benefit of all. It is a means to sustainable development that stems from a focus on strengths versus needs. In order to do this work, we have to be in partnership and engage with one another to work together and move from thinking that there is inadequacy in a community that they are unable to address to believing they have an abundance of gifts and strengths to address their needs. Asset based development encourages a community to share their passions, hopes, and dreams for their communities with the gifts (assets) around them. As a community of faith, we are called to move away from doing something “to” or “for” a community. We need to stop looking at the deficits of a community and instead ask what we all can gain by engaging with each other.

Since attending this training, I have been reflecting on the message we heard at our recent Diocesan Convention regarding The Way of Love. Presiding Bishop Curry has invited the whole church to take up The Way of Love, a “rule of life” focused on practices for a Jesus-Centered Life. Like the disciples, we are called by Jesus to follow the Way of Love. With God’s help, we can turn from the powers of sin, hatred, fear, injustice, and oppression toward the way of truth, love, hope, justice, and freedom. In turning, we reorient our lives to Jesus Christ, falling in love again, again, and again.

There are seven aspects to this practice:

TURN Pause, listen, and choose to follow Jesus

LEARN Reflect on Scripture each day, especially Jesus’ life and teachings

PRAY Dwell intentionally with God each day

WORSHIP Gather in community weekly to thank, praise, and draw near God

BLESS Share faith and unselfishly give and serve

GO Cross boundaries, listen deeply, and live like Jesus

REST Receive the gift of God’s grace, peace, and restoration

Focusing on the call to Learn, scripture teaches us that we are called by God to to be a blessing to all the world and we do this through love. By reflecting on scripture each day, we can see the many ways we are called to do this work. If we look at the Feeding of the Five Thousand from the gospels (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:31-44, Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:5-15), we can see how Jesus took the gifts the community had to offer and fed them all through this miracle. We as a community of God can perform miracles too. Notice Jesus did not tell the crowd what they needed, he asked them what they had to offer and used the “assets” of the community to feed them all.

We are called to move outside of our buildings and to help transform our communities through love. By grounding our work in scripture, it will guide us through this process and help us all stay centered and focused on discovering the assets we have to transform the world around us.

I would encourage you all to incorporate the following prayer into your prayer life and inwardly digest what it means for you to be a part of a community that is called to be a blessing to all the world.

The call to Abraham, the patriarch of faith, is the call extended to all humankind: Be a blessing to all the world. God told Abraham: “All the people of the earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3.) When we accept the call of God to be a blessing, we are blessed to be a distributor of the goodness of God. We are loved by God, and in turn we love; we are forgiven, and in turn we forgive; we are made whole, and in turn we make others whole. When we count our blessings it is the beginning of prayer, not the end. (Mark 12:31) We ask that God bless others not simply for their satisfaction and fulfillment, but so they can join in the blessing of others. May we live so that “All the people of the earth will be blessed through us.” From: A Prayer to Become a Blessing (From the book, Body Prayer, by Doug Pagitt, Kathryn Prill, and Colleen Shealer Olson)

Attention: People of San Joaquin

Dear Brothers and Sisters of San Joaquin,

On Sunday, December 1, two historic events will be taking place at our Cathedral in Fresno.

At 11am we will install our first Cathedral Dean, The Rev. Ryan Newman, since the great disruption in 2008. Following this service, the Cathedral Episcopal Church Women’s group will host a luncheon in to welcome Ryan, Erin, and Lexi. You are welcome to join us for lunch, so please send in your RSVP to Canon Anna by Monday evening.

At 2pm we will ordain four deacons, Terrance Goodpasture, Amy Larsen, Greg Masztal, and Marilee Muncey. These are historic ordinations because they are the first to be held in the cathedral since its return to us in October 2016. Following this service, there will be a dessert reception hosted by the Cathedral ECW.

Please join with the diocese in prayer this morning: O God, by your grace you have called us in this Diocese to a goodly fellowship of faith. Bless our Bishop David, our new cathedral dean, the four ordination candidates, and all our people. Grant that your Word may be truly preached and truly heard, your Sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By your Spirit, fashion our lives according to the example of your Son, and grant that we may show the power of your love to all among whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We look forward to seeing you on what we trust will be an extraordinary day in the life of this diocese.

God’s Peace,

Bishop David Canon Carmichael

St. James, Sonora:

The Red Church Concert Series

December 2, 2018, 3pm

Velocity Handbell Ensemble

42 Snell Street, Sonora

Velocity is a community handbell ensemble in the San Francisco Bay Area and is dedicated to moving the artisty of handbells towards musical excellence with a high standard of performance. Their mission statement is “have fun”

Visit The Red Church Concert Series at:

sjconcertseries.org

Friday Reflection

Warranting Your

Participation and Prayers

The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin

and

St. James Episcopal Cathedral

cordially invites you to a

SERVICE OF INSTALLATION

to celebrate the Call of

THE REV. RYAN DOUGLAS NEWMAN

CATHEDRAL DEAN

On Saturday, December 1, 2018, 11am

St. James Episcopal Church

4147 E. Dakota Ave.

Fresno, CA 93726

Luncheon to follow Clergy: White stoles

Please RSVP to: [email protected]

God Willing and the People Consenting

The Right Reverend

David Cappel Rice

Bishop of San Joaquin

Will Ordain

Terrance M. Goodpasture

Amy L. Larsen

Gregory T. Masztal

Marilee E. Muncey

To the Sacred Order of Deacons in Christ’s One, Holy,

Catholic and Apostolic Church on

Saturday, the First of December Two Thousand Eighteen at

Two O’Clock in the Afternoon.

St. James Cathedral

4147 E. Dakota Ave.

Fresno, CA 93726

Your prayers and presence are requested

Reception to follow Clergy: Red Stoles

For Priests, Deacons and Postulants

Advent Clergy Conference

December 11-13, 2018

ECCO

Click here for details and to

Need some? Get some! Contact

Click here

EDSJ

Emergency Relief Fund

Many thanks to those who have donated!

At Annual Convention we raised

$378.00!

driving up our total for

$2,443.00 for the year!

Your donations have been helping the victims of recent fires and donating will build our fund to help when disasters strike again locally and in Northern California!

Donations can also be made by check. Please send your check donation to The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, Memo: ERF 1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355

Diocesan Events

ECCO Commission Meeting

November 14, 6:30pm

ZOOM

Standing Committee Meeting

November 27, 2018 6:30pm

ZOOM

Diocesan Council Meeting

November 29, 2018, 6:30pm

ZOOM

Day of Diocesan Celebration

Saturday, December 1

St. James Cathedral, Fresno

11am

Dean Installation

2pm

Deacon Ordinations

Advent Clergy Conference

December 11-13. ECCO

Immigration Task Force Facebook

Immigration Task Force

Tour Against Trafficking

Integrity USA

American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

https://faithinthevalley.org/

www.eccoyosemite.org

Click here for pamphlet

The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355

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Friday Reflections Nov. 2, 2018

02. November 2018 · Comments Off · Categories: Friday Reflections · Tags: Bishop, Bishop David Rice, Church, Diocese of San Joaquin, Episcopal, episcopal church, Episcopal Diocese Of San Joaquin, Friday Reflections, message

Diocese of San

Joaquin

The Episcopal Church

November 2, 2018

From Bishop David

I am framing these words on 1 November, otherwise known as The Feast of All Saints. It is the moment in time for the Life of the Church when we remember those who have gone before us, to give thanks for their lives, to consider their example, and to follow them.

And addition, this morning on The Today Show our Presiding Bishop, The Most Reverend Michael Curry was interviewed regarding his new book The Power of Love. This book of “Sermons, Reflections, & Wisdom to Uplift & Inspire” also includes his Homily from the Royal Wedding.

And lastly, we are five days from 6 November, otherwise known as the Mid-Term Elections. I’ll come back to that in a moment.

I wanted to give this context because today’s Feast Day reminds us that from whence we have come and from whom we have come, certainly informs, even defines where and who we are at present, furthermore, sheds significant light on where and how we go from here.

Reflected in the lives of the Saints, those women and men who have gone before us, we see a common thread in the ways in which they lived. Their lives reflected Jesus. He was, remains and will continue to be the common thread. To frame this in the simplest yet most profound terms, their lives were characterized in the ways they embraced, expressed, exercised and engaged LOVE. The love reflected in their lives and about which I write was no more evident than in those moments when the Saints worked to ensure that everybody had enough. It was no more evident than when justice was extended to all. It was no more evident than when hope was accessible to everyone. And it was no more evident than when the voices, better said, the yearnings of those who lived on the margins and those who were far too often invisible, were acknowledged and heard.

The Saints worked at and in LOVE.

And this very work was evident in the ways in which they prayed. A few years ago, Pope Francis articulated the nature of this “work of prayer.”

He said: “We pray for the hungry.

We feed them.

And that’s how prayer works.”

We are called to reflect Jesus, to follow the example of the Saints, to give ourselves to this work of prayer, and to embrace, express, exercise and engage LOVE.

This call requires that we ensure that everybody has enough in our own day and in our own context. It requires that we, too, ensure that justice is extended to all. It requires that hope is accessible to everyone, here and now. And this call upon our lives requires that we acknowledge and hear all of God’s People and thatmeans all without exception.

More often than not, this call means that we challenge and seek to amend the very systems which foster an environment where everyone doesn’t have enough, where justice isn’t extended to all, where hope isn’t accessible to everyone, and where far too many people are rarely acknowledged and heard.

Sisters and Brothers of The EDSJ, this is a call to follow Jesus. This is a call to follow the example of the Saints. This is a call to work at and in LOVE. This is a call to engage in the work of prayer. And this is a call to challenge and amend any system which works counter to the lives to which we are called, namely to follow Jesus as did the Saints before us. Voting is most definitely one of the ways we can live into and out that call.

And when we do this Sisters and Brothers, when truly and earnestly follow the life of Jesus, reflect the lives of the Saints then we live with the knowledge that in the end, LOVE WINS! So let’s help it along.

Blessings

+David

The 59th Diocesan Annual Convention

Take a peek!

EDSJ Convention

Congratulations go to The Rev. Dr. Tim Vivian!

The Rev. Gary Commins ’80 ’01 presents the honorary degree to the Rev. Dr. Tim Vivian.

CDSP awarded an honorary degree to the Rev. Dr. Tim Vivian ’88 at its annual alumni convocation on October 11.

Vivian, a retired Episcopal priest and professor emeritus of religious studies at California State University Bakersfield, holds bachelor, master’s, and PhD degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara, as well as a master’s degree from Cal Poly and an MDiv from CDSP. Read more…

Click here for Flyer Click here for Press Release

St. James’, Sonora:

The Red Church Concert Series

November 4, 2018, 3pm

42 Snell Street, Sonora

We are honored to welcome violinist, Corina Stoian and pianist,Ron Brickman in their second St. James’ Concert. Both are popular artists

of the Calaveras musical community. They will perform pieces including Tartini’s”Didone Abbandonata” and one of Brahms’ Hungarian Dances.

Go to: http://sjconcertseries.org/schedule2018-2019.php

to find out more about St. James’ Concert Series and to order tickets.

November 4th

Warranting Your

Participation and Prayers

The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin

and

St. James Episcopal Cathedral

cordially invites you to a

SERVICE OF INSTALLATION

to celebrate the Call of

THE REV. RYAN DOUGLAS NEWMAN

CATHEDRAL DEAN

On Saturday, December 1, 2018, 11am

St. James Episcopal Church

4147 E. Dakota Ave.

Fresno, CA 93726

Luncheon to follow Clergy: White stoles

Please RSVP to: [email protected]

God Willing and the People Consenting

The Right Reverend

David Cappel Rice

Bishop of San Joaquin

Will Ordain

Terrance M. Goodpasture

Amy L. Larsen

Gregory T. Masztal

Marilee E. Muncey

To the Sacred Order of Deacons in Christ’s One, Holy,

Catholic and Apostolic Church on

Saturday, the First of December Two Thousand Eighteen at

Two O’Clock in the Afternoon.

St. James Cathedral

4147 E. Dakota Ave.

Fresno, CA 93726

Your prayers and presence are requested

Reception to follow Clergy: Red Stoles

Media Release from

The Episcopal Church

United Methodists and

Episcopalians Convene in Chicago

Friday Reflections June 22, 2018

22. June 2018 · Comments Off · Categories: Bishop, Friday Reflections, Uncategorized · Tags: Bishop, Bishop David Rice, Church, Diocese of San Joaquin, Friday Reflections, message

Diocese of San

Joaquin

The Episcopal Church

June 22, 2018

From The Rev. Heather Mueller, St. Andrew’s, Taft

The Diocese has a Labyrinth

Several years ago St Andrew’s in Taft borrowed the Diocesan Labyrinth. We used it several times and now the canvas labyrinth has been returned to the diocese and it is at ECCO. This is a good place for it. The chapel is a large enough space for it to be laid out and I would imagine that some of the groups which use that beautiful place would be interested in using the labyrinth in their programs.

A Bit of History-

Labyrinths are not mazes!

A labyrinth is a path which leads to the center and the same path which leads a person out from the center. There are no blocks or barriers in a labyrinth. Labyrinths have been found on ancient gravestones in several countries and they were used in cathedrals in the middle ages. The process of pilgrimage is part of the Christian experience and since it was too dangerous to make a pilgrimage to a place far away, the pilgrimages were instead taking place in the safety of the cathedral.

Some Recent History-

In the early 90’s The Rev. Lauren Artress, (an Episcopal Priest) did a spiritual retreat and at that time experienced walking a labyrinth. She became very inspired and searched out the one on the floor in Chartres Cathedral, in France.

Lauren was serving at Grace Cathedral, in San Francisco, and with the support of the dean she arranged for a canvas labyrinth to be placed in the cathedral. From there, many people experienced it and churches throughout the United States created labyrinths. There is even one painted on the floor of the Methodist Church, here in Taft!!!!! Labyrinths are designed with rocks, bricks, and some are painted on floors or driveways.

There are many styles of Labyrinths but the most common one is the 11 circuit one like the one in Chartres Cathedral.

My Labyrinth Experience-

The church I served on Maui created a labyrinth in 1996. We painted it on our driveway. For many years we held walks on the evenings of the full moon. We surrounded the labyrinth with candles. We welcomed a lot of people from the category of, “I am spiritual but not religious”! It really put St John’s on the map for a number of people. We were the first to have a labyrinth on Maui and now there are many throughout the island. The Rev. Lauren Artress came to Maui and blessed our labyrinth and us with her presence and knowledge.

What the Labyrinth Can Be-

I call the experience of walking the labyrinth as a “massage of the soul”! Many people consider it a healing experience. People from the senior programs would often come to walk the labyrinth. One day a woman said she was healed from vertigo when she walked the labyrinth. Another day a woman came to me with a heavy question on her heart. She needed to decide whether to sue or not to sue a doctor who had made some destructive decisions about her health. I suggested that she ask the question, walk the labyrinth and see if she could get an answer. She did and did!!!

A St. John’s, on Maui, Story-

It was a summer night in August and there was a, full moon candlelight labyrinth walk, scheduled for that evening. I went to the church and in the park, across the street, there was a reggae band doing their jamming at full volume!

I wondered for a bit about how to handle this situation. I decided to go to the park and explain the situation!!!!

As I approached the group, one of the guys said, “Hey, you da pastor who married my sista!” Another one of the group said, “I rememba you….”you buried my Grandmudda!”

I went on to explain the program for the labyrinth walk and I said that after about 45 minutes in the church we would go out to the labyrinth for the walk. All was quiet for the lecture and when we went out to walk, the strains of “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” came wafting across the airwaves!!!!

The labyrinth is a gift and my hope is that people will take the time to lay it out and make the pilgrimage on the labyrinth. The Diocese of San Joaquin is blessed to have it.

The name of the organization which has been created by The Rev. Lauren Artress and others, is “Verititas” and it is based in Petaluma, California. If you check it out you will see that there are opportunities to make pilgrimages all over the world. They organize trips to Chartres, and there is even a labyrinth in Israel.

If I can help anyone find more information about the labyrinth please feel free to call me.

May you pilgrimage on the labyrinth be a meaningful adventure!!!!!

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE 79TH GENERAL CONVENTION

What is the General Convention?

* The General Convention is the governing body of The Episcopal Church. It is a bicameral legislature that includes the House of Deputies, with more than 800 members (up to four clergy and four lay persons from each diocese), and the House of Bishops, with over 300 active and resigned bishops.

* General Convention gathers every three years. The 2018 meeting will convene in Austin, Texas for a nine- day legislative session (July 5 -July 13, 2018), and will be the 79th General Convention of the Church.

* The work of General Convention includes adopting legislation of concern to the Church; amending the Book of Common Prayer, the Constitution, and the Canons of the Church; adopting a triennial budget for The Episcopal Church; and electing candidates to offices, boards and other committees. This work is undertaken in support of the mission and ministry of the Church, and with prayerful gratitude and spiritual discernment.

Now, that’s an Introduction to General Convention which can be found on the Episcopal Church Website. It is certainly accurate and concise, consistent with good “Anglican Order;” however, it doesn’t go great lengths in capturing what I believe to be the most significant aspect of the 79th General Convention of the Episcopal Church. In other words, it doesn’t occupy an abundance of space regarding what the heart of our General Convention can and must be. This GC provides the opportunity, as did previous conventions, to show one another and the world the way we gather as church in a context which is both worshipful and legislating. This is a context where we frame dreams and aspirations, responsibilities and tasks. This is the forum in which we show how we can work and play together and how that working and playing translates into the ways we are

Called to be…Church, in the days following convention. This is our opportunity through conversations, through speaking and hearing one another, through debate and resolutions, to provide a roadmap and description concerning how we are growing into the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement.

It will be my responsibility and honor to Chair the Legislative Committee:

Care of Creation and Environmental Stewardship. Your Deputies from the EDSJ will also be serving on their own respective Legislative Committees. In this prayerful and faithful work to which we have been called, we will constantly be aware of how we represent you, our Sisters and Brothers in the Diocese, moreover, how we represent the ways in which we are emerging as theJesus Movement in San Joaquin.

Our EDSJ Deputation includes:

Clergy

Kathie Galicia

Suzy Ward

Anna Carmichael

Robert Woods

Nancy Key

Carolyn Woodall

Lay

Cindy Smith

Barbara Inderbitzen

Jan Dunlap

Cathy Henry

Alexis Woods

Nedra Voorhees

And our Chancellor, Michael Glass will be serving as:

Chair of the House of Deputies Resolution Review Committee

We ask for your prayers. Actually, these aren’t simply nice closing words to finish this article. I am asking, nay, I am calling you to pray for the 79th General Convention. Pray for everyone gathered. Pray for your Deputation. Pray that everything we do reflects the heart of God. Please set aside intentional time for prayer leading up to and during the convention.

Blessings,

+David

Warranting Your

Attendance and Prayers

Upcoming Deanery Meetings:

June 23, 2018

Northern Deanery Meeting

10am

The Episcopal Church of St. Anne’s, Stockton

Agenda click here.

June 23, 2018

Southern Deanery Meeting

10:30am

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Ridgecrest

Agenda click here.

All are welcome to attend!

In case you missed Thursday email!

#Freedom4OurChildren

Statewide Action to End Family Separation & Incarceration of Our Children

Friday, June 22nd + Saturday, June 23rd + Sunday, June 24th

US / Mexico International Border in San Diego, CA

Click here to find out how you can participate

In case you missed the Bishop’s email this week!

A Call To Prayer and Action for the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin

I constantly return to the words our Presiding Bishop, The Most Reverend Michael Curry, preached at Saint Paul’s, Bakersfield during our Revival last year. The theme of our Revival was

Called to be.. A Safe Place for All of God’s People where we gave particular attention to how these words apply to Dreamers (DACA Recipients). Bishop Michael proclaimed with great vigor as he is known to do these words:

“It’s not political, it’s biblical.” X 3.

Click here to read more of special email

ABOLITION

St. James’ Episcopal Church, Sonora will be the setting for a new dramatic play. The highly respected local playwright, Rick Foster, will premiere his latest work “Abolition” with 9 performances in July and August.

The play dramatizes the sometimes stormy friendship between John Brown and Frederick Douglass, two lions of the abolition movement. They first met in the Free Church of Springfield Mass, in the fall of 1847. Playwright Foster says he’s delighted that in this premiere the two will now meet in another socially conscious church, the historic Red Church of Sonora, which incidentally was built the same year that John Brown was martyred while trying to free the slaves of Virginia.

Like many of the plays by Rick Foster the subject is based on social conflict or problems. “Abolition” explores the greatest social problem this country ever faced and indeed many of the residual effects from the conflict are with us still.

This play brings into focus the differing perspectives of these two important men and a refreshing view of a pivotal period in our nation’s history.

A CULTURAL EVENT

SOLID ENTERTAINMENT

AN OPEN BRIDGE TO UNDERSTANDING

9 PERFORMANCES :

JULY 26 – 28, AUGUST 2 – 4, AUGUST 9 – 11

CURTAIN TIME:

THURSDAY & FRIDAY 7PM

SATURDAY 2PM

More details coming in future Friday Reflections!

Diocesan Labor Day Service

Weekend at ECCO

August 31 – September 2, 2018

ECCO is our Diocesan Retreat and Conference Center located just outside Yosemite National Park. The center, located on a beautiful 163-acre property of forest, ponds, and meadows, features comfortable hotel-style lodging and delicious meals prepared under the guidance of our very own Executive Chef.

There will be a variety of service projects to choose between – really something for everyone – from painting to planting, and from organizing to window-washing. Come, relax, help, visit, worship, and explore. Click here for more details.

Need some? Get some! Contact

EDSJ

Emergency Relief Fund

Your donations have been helping the victims of recent fires and donating will build our fund to help when disasters strike again.

Donations can also be made by check. Please send your check donation to The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, Memo: ERF

Diocesan Events

Northern Deanery Meeting

June 23, 10am
St. Anne’s, StocktonSouthern Deanery Meeting
June 23, 10:30am
St. Michael’s, Ridgecrest
The Episcopal Church
General Convention
July 3-14, 2018
Austin, Texas

Deacon Retreat

July 31-August 2, 2018

ECCO

Immigration Task Force Retreat

October 12-13, 2018

ECCO

59th Annual Diocesan Convention

October 19-20, 2018

ECCO

Advent Clergy Retreat

December

Tour Against Trafficking

Integrity USA

American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

https://faithinthevalley.org

www.eccoyosemite.org

Friday Reflection

The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, 1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355